Highlanders retain All Blacks stars

The full list of those who have re-signed for 2019 is Naholo, Squire, Rob Thompson, James Lentjes, Kayne Hammington, Siate Tokolahi with more expected to be announced in the coming days.

Highlanders CEO Roger Clark said: “We have been working for some time to confirm our squad for next year and we are delighted that so many of our experienced players have chosen to commit to us again for 2019.

“We appreciate good players will always have options so their commitment to the Highlanders enables us to look toward next season with some certainty.”

Naholo arrived from the Blues in 2015 and played a big part in securing the Highlanders first championship and was also part of the World Cup winning All Blacks in that year.

The 26-year-old has scored 36 tries for the Highlanders with his strength and electrifying pace and is looking forward to another season with the Highlanders.

“Dunedin and the Highlanders have been good for me, my career really started when I came here,”said Naholo.

“I love playing for this team especially at home under the roof. I have had plenty of great times and I am keen to continue next season.”

Head coach Aaron Mauger was also pleased to be re-signing players well before next season begins.

“Building and maintaining a competitive Super Rugby squad is a challenging process and requires a great deal of planning to get the right balance,” he said.

“All the guys we are re-signing now are central to our future and are quality men and players, it’s great to have them on board for 2019.”